Welder in New Hampshire
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for NH
How to Become a Welder in New Hampshire
To become a welder in New Hampshire, individuals are not required to hold a state-issued license. Instead, the industry standard is certification through the American Welding Society (AWS). This involves passing both a written and practical exam to demonstrate proficiency in specific welding processes. While a high school diploma or GED is generally sufficient, many employers prefer candidates who have completed a formal welding program.
Welder Requirements in New Hampshire
| Detail | New Hampshire |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | American Welding Society (AWS) |
| State License Required | No |
| Education | High school diploma or GED is typically sufficient, but formal welding program completion is preferred by some employers. |
| Exam | AWS Certified Welder (CW) exam (written and practical) ($1,255) |
| Notes | New Hampshire does not have a statewide licensing requirement for welders. Certification through the American Welding Society (AWS) is the industry standard and often required by employers. Some specialized welding jobs (e.g., bridges, boilers) may have additional requirements. Minimum age for some welding programs is 18. |
Source: American Welding Society (AWS)
Welder Salary in New Hampshire
The median welder salary in New Hampshire is $57,700 per year, which is 13.1% above the national median of $51,000.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $46,090 |
| 25th | $49,230 |
| 50th (median) | $57,700 |
| 75th | $67,850 |
| 90th (experienced) | $78,090 |
New Hampshire employs approximately 1,040 welders.
Welder Job Outlook
AI Impact on Welders
Low AI Exposure (Score: -1.20/1.00)
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
Is Becoming a Welder in New Hampshire Worth It?
Factors to consider: New Hampshire's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.